Lionel Messi made his first international appearance in nearly seven months as Argentina prepared for the Copa America with a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in Chicago.
The Inter Miami forward, who had missed two Argentina friendlies in March due to a hamstring injury, entered the match as a 56th-minute substitute for Angel di Maria at Soldier Field.
Di Maria, serving as captain in Messi’s absence, scored the decisive goal in the 40th minute following an excellent pass from Tottenham defender Cristian Romero.
“With Leo, there is no need to risk him,” said Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni.
“We want to take care of these players and allow them to arrive in their best possible conditions to the tournament.”
World champions Argentina face Guatemala in another friendly in Maryland on Saturday before they begin their Copa America defence against Canada on 21 June.